More Of The Best Barbecue In Detroit

May 14, 2014 8:00 AM

(credit: Zingerman’s Roadhouse)

Everyone knows about Slows BBQ, Union Woodshop and Lockhart’s — But there are even more spots in the Detroit area for delicious ribs, pulled pork or other barbecued foods. Check out this list to see the best restaurants in the area.

Zingerman’s Roadhouse2501 Jackson Ave.
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
(734) 663-3663www.zingermansroadhouse.comYou may have been to Zingerman’s Deli in downtown Ann Arbor, or maybe even the gelateria, but have you been to the Roadhouse? Located about a 10-minute drive from downtown, Zingerman’s Roadhouse features meat, meat and more meat, and also has a Southern-style “meat and three” option, where you choose a meat and three sides. The restaurant’s BBQ options include pit-smoked spare ribs, beef, pork entree, white turkey and more. Don’t forget an order of Zingerman’s sweet potato fries – cut thick and delicious – or maybe try the corn dogs, fried pickled green tomatoes or fried potato and cheese balls for an appetizer. The menu is very varied. Parking is available on-site.

Bad Brad’s BBQ6525 23 Mile Road
Shelby Township, MI 48316
(586) 254-7010www.badbradsbbq.netIf you’re searching for a good BBQ place on the east side, check out Bad Brad’s BBQ in Shelby Township. There is a second location in New Baltimore, as well. Bad Brad’s mantra is “slow and low” – it cooks its beef brisket and pork shoulder in fruitwood and hickory smoke for up to 14 hours. The menu ranges from BBQ platters, to entrees, to non-BBQ choices like burgers and pizza. The “pig candy” is also a favorite here: smoked bacon coated with pecans, caramel and other types of sugars. The BBQ platters all come with two sides and warm tortillas, and you can choose from “pit beans,” mac ‘n cheese, cornbread, BBQ chowder and more for the sides. The restaurant is also known for its selection of Michigan craft beers.

Detroit BBQ Company – Food Truck
Detroit, MI 48212
(586) 855-9012www.facebook.com/DetbbqcoIf you like your BBQ on the go, check out the Detroit BBQ Company, a food truck that can be found in downtown Detroit and in surrounding areas. The truck also offers catering for all occasions, such as corporate events, weddings, graduations and public events. The truck will be at the Mo Pop Festival on July 12, at Freedom Hill, and has been found previously at Treat Dreams (Ferndale), Kelly’s Irish Pub (Dearborn) and other venues. Prices range from $9 (pulled pork) to $14 (two meat combo, with one side), and sides include coleslaw, baked beans and sweet potato. Don’t forget to try its unique desserts, too, such as watermelon lime sorbet, Smokey the Bear ice cream (smoked chocolate with almonds) or bread pudding sundae with bourbon caramel sauce and candied pecans.

Rub BBQPub
18 W. Adams St.
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 964-0782www.rubbbqpub.comRub BBQ Pub has two locations, one in downtown Detroit and one in Ann Arbor, near the University of Michigan’s campus. All of the restaurant’s sandwiches are named after local places/people. There’s The Slim Shady (pulled chicken sandwich with coleslaw and Memphis sauce), the Bob Seger (same, but with pulled pork) and The Harwell (Texas beef brisket), for example. Rub BBQ is also known for its ribs, which come with two sides, and in different varieties like baby back ribs, traditional St. Louis style and The Detroiter, if you’re extra hungry (ribs, pulled pork and beef brisket with mac ‘n cheese and french fries).

Red Smoke Barbecue573 Monroe St.
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 962-2100www.redsmoke.netRed Smoke Barbecue is located in Greektown (downtown Detroit) and serves BBQ chicken, pork, brisket, baby back ribs and spare ribs, smoked over hickory and applewood. The restaurant also offers 12 sides to choose from, including smoked baked beans, black-eyed peas, green beans and fried leeks, potato wedges and more. There are also five sauces to choose from for your meal, with the Michigan Cherry Molasses being the most unique (“Sweet Michigan cherries in a tangy vinegar base”) and geared towards BBQ chicken. Prices range from $14.99 (Apple-smoked, all-natural chicken) to $20.99 (Triple Play Combo, with beef brisket, chicken and pulled pork). You can also order the Redsmoke Feast ($69.99) which serves four and includes a full rack of St. Louis ribs, half of a chicken and a pound of brisket or pulled pork, along with jalapeno muffins and three sides.